Cervical Cancer: 10 Facts Every Woman Needs to Know! by Donna John

How much do you know about cervical cancer? Here are 10 things you need to know about cervical cancer from Cancer.org.

1. Cervical cancer starts in the cells lining the cervix – the lower part of the uterus (womb).
2. The normal cells of the cervix gradually develop pre-cancerous changes that turn into cancer.
3. Doctors use several terms to describe these pre-cancerous changes: cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL), and dysplasia.
4. Found early by having regular Pap smears, cervical cancer is one of the most treatable cancers.
5. HPV is the most important risk factor for cervical cancer. Other risk facts include smoking, a weakened immune system, Chlamydia infection, a diet low in fruits and vegetables, being overweight, long-term use or oral contraceptives, IUD, having multiple full-term pregnancies, being younger than 17 at your first full-term pregnancy, economic status, DES, and having a family history of cervical cancer.
6. Women with early cervical cancers and pre-cancers usually have no symptoms.
7. Symptoms often do not begin until the cancer becomes invasive and grows into nearby tissue.
8. The most common symptoms of cervical cancer are abnormal vaginal bleeding, unusual discharge from the vagina, and pain during sex.
9. Common types of treatments for cervical cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.
10. It is often a good idea to get a second opinion, especially from doctors experienced in treating cervical cancer.

Learn even more about cervical cancer at Cancer.org.